Top 10 news stories of the day: Arson suspected in Table Mountain blaze
Here's your morning daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
A fire has been raging on the slopes of Table Mountain and officials in charge of the national park have stated that preliminary investigations suggest arson to be the cause.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi reacted to a report that R34 million per month was being spent on office rentals for government departments, while Julius Malema said the court case over the VAT increase was a necessary intervention.
The Vaal passed the 120% capacity mark over the weekend, but residents in danger refuse to heed an evacuation order.
Here is what else made headlines on 28 April:
Higher education minister apologises for late Nsfas payments, addresses appeals
The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, on Sunday, released a statement addressing crucial issues affecting students who rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas).
Picture: Facebook
Nkabane's address focused primarily on the delayed disbursement of Tvet allowances and provided updates on the Nsfas appeals process.
READ MORE: Higher education minister apologises for late Nsfas payments, addresses appeals
WATCH: BMA intercepts and detains over 6 000 people trying to enter or leave SA illegally
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has revealed that officials intercepted and detained over 6 000 individuals who were attempting to enter or leave South Africa illegally.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato with some of the drones used during their operations. Picture: BMA
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato was briefing the media on Monday on the movement statistics as well as interceptions at various Ports of Entry during the Easter period.
READ MORE: WATCH: BMA intercepts and detains over 6 000 people trying to enter or leave SA illegally
WATCH: Suspension of VAT increase 'necessary intervention,' Malema says
EFF leader Julius Malema addressed a media briefing following the Western Cape High Court Order on Sunday, which suspended the 0.5% VAT increases and set aside the 2025 Fiscal Framework and revenue proposals.
EFF leader Julius Malema. Picture: Facebook/Economic Freedom Fighters
Malema said the EFF has maintained that fiscal adjustment must not occur at the expense of the poor and the working class.
READ MORE: WATCH: Suspension of VAT increase 'necessary intervention,' Malema says
Eleven classrooms destroyed after fire guts Riverlea High School
At least eleven classrooms have been destroyed after a fire gutted the Riverlea High School, west of Johannesburg.
At least eleven classrooms have been destroyed after a fire gutted the Riverlea High School. Picture: Gauteng Education Department.
It is understood that the blaze broke out just before 6pm Sunday evening.
READ MORE: Eleven classrooms destroyed after fire guts Riverlea High School
Vaal Dam: Residents refuse evacuation orders despite rising flood dangers
Residents in areas along the Vaal River are refusing evacuation orders despite dangerous flooding conditions, according to reports from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
Water management authorities have implemented a structured release schedule to manage the rising water levels. Picture; Nigel Sibanda
The latest Vaal Dam and Vaal Barrage Hydrological Information reveals the severity of the situation, with the dam reaching 120.69% capacity by Monday.
READ MORE: Vaal Dam: Residents refuse evacuation orders despite rising flood dangers
City Power will not pay to replace this cable if stolen by thieves
City Power has warned Johannesburg residents of a surge in theft of a specific type of cable.
Picture: City Power
Frustratingly for the customer, should the service cable connection be severed, the replacement cost becomes the resident's headache.
READ MORE: City Power will not pay to replace this cable if stolen by thieves
Pirates legend blames Riveiro for Champions League exit
Former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang 'Cheeseboy' Mokoena has blamed coach Jose Riveiro and the Bucs players for the club's exit from the Caf Champions League.
Nkosinathi Sibisi of Orlando Pirates reacts dejected during the Caf Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final 2nd Leg match against Pyramids FC at 30 June Stadium last Friday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
After playing to a goalless draw in Soweto, Pyramids edged the Buccaneers 3-2 at home to set up a final with Mamelodi Sundowns.
READ MORE: Pirates legend blames Riveiro for Champions League exit
Mass player exodus expected at Kaizer Chiefs
Across the Soweto divide, Kaizer Chiefs will part ways with many players at the end of the season, as part of a major squad overhaul following another disappointing showing in the Betway Premiership this season.
Ranga Chivaviro (2nd right) is said to be one of the players that will be released by Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
According to a source, coach Nasreddine Nabi is not happy with the performances of several players in the team and has recommended that they must be released at the end of the season.
READ MORE: Mass player exodus expected at Kaizer Chiefs
Lesufi to call in forensic firm to scrutinise R34 million office rentals
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will be looking into the high costs associated with renting office space for government departments.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. Picture: Nigel Sibanda / The Citizen
MEC for Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo recently revealed that R34 million per month was being spent on renting office space, despite the provincial government owning 41 vacant buildings.
READ MORE: Lesufi to call in forensic firm to scrutinise R34 million office rentals
Arson suspected as fire rages across Table Mountain National Park, 3 000 hectares burned
A massive wildfire continues to ravage Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, with approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation already destroyed.
Table Mountain Fire. Image: TrafficSA/X
The blaze, which authorities suspect was deliberately set, has forced the evacuation of 198 households and continues to pose significant challenges for firefighting teams.
READ MORE: Arson suspected as fire rages across Table Mountain National Park, 3 000 hectares burned
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TimesLIVE
16 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Universities and TVETs owe NSFAS R11.94bn, says Nkabane
Higher education and training minister Nobuhle Nkabane says universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges owe the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) R11.94bn for the 2017 to 2023 academic period. This was revealed in a written parliamentary question from the DA. Universities owe R10.46bn, while TVETs owe R1.48bn. Nkabane said the amounts are subject to a reconciliation process between NSFAS and the institutions. 'Institutions are expected to sign an agreement on assets and liabilities relating to the student accounts,' she said. 'NSFAS is preparing the 2024 reconciliations.' This comes amid challenges facing NSFAS, including student accommodation and funding issues. Recently, students at the Northern Cape Urban TVET college in Kimberley protested by burning offices because of delays in receiving their NSFAS allowances. The DA urged NSFAS to use the recouped funds to address some of the issues faced by students. 'Given the recent mid-academic year defundings of NSFAS students that force many of them to abandon their studies or leave them destitute and hungry, the DA encourages NSFAS to use the recouped funds to ensure students receive their allowances on time and to ensure no student is defunded midyear, especially if NSFAS previously indicated they would be funded. 'While the DA understands NSFAS must root out payments to students who do not meet the funding requirements, midyear defundings is a NSFAS failure to process students correctly and in time and should not be used to punish students.'
IOL News
17 hours ago
- IOL News
EFF, MKP demand accountability from Shamila Batohi over NPA sabotage claims
The National Prosecuting Authority under Advocate Shamila Batohi is facing significant challenges. Image: Henk Kruger National prosecutions boss Shamila Batohi is facing renewed criticism from several parties, including the EFF, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and ActionSA, over her recent statements about sabotage within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Last week Batohi, responding to intense criticism over several embarrassing defeats in high-profile cases said there had been "infiltration" of the prosecution service but later backtracked, saying she had use the wrong term and instead that certain cases were being deliberately sabotaged. Despite the backtracking by Batohi, the parties remain unconvinced and are demanding accountability, saying if there is sabotage then this happened under her watch and she should take responsibility by stepping down. The MK Party, on Monday, expressed concern over Batohi's statements, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability within the NPA. 'We are the first ones to call for her (Batohi) head. It's been three weeks since we made that call. She has shown that she is incompetent and therefore must go,' MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Last week the EFF wrote to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, requesting an urgent debate on what it believes is an institutional crisis at the NPA. There is concern after the NPA was dealt a major blow in the case against former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule when the court ruled that the extradition from the US of his former PA, Moroadi Colota, was invalid. The NPA has also been slammed for bungling the case against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was acquitted on more than 30 charges of sexual assault. The NPA's failure to secure the extradition of the Gupta brothers, nearly a decade after the Gupta Leaks scandal, has also raised questions about the authority's effectiveness. The EFF said Batohi's remarks suggest undue influence is being exerted on the NPA, compromising its ability to secure justice and accountability. "This is not a casual institutional complaint. It is a constitutional red flag of the highest order," the EFF said. "An assertion from the NDPP herself that the NPA has been infiltrated should send shockwaves throughout every organ of state," the letter read. ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip called for Batohi's immediate removal, citing the NPA's repeated failures in high-profile cases. "The NPA has become a refuge for politically connected individuals, a place where accountability is avoided, justice is delayed, and prosecutions collapse with shocking regularity. "Under Batohi's leadership, the NPA reels from one scandal to the next. South Africans are left wondering if these failures are merely a result of incompetence, or is there a deliberate agenda to protect the corrupt,' Trollip said. NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga did not answer questions sent Monday. Batohi had said that if she felt she was underperforming, then she would step down immediately. However, the parties are not satisfied with her explanation and are demanding that she take responsibility. The DA has expressed concerns about the NPA's failures but has stopped short of calling for Batohi's removal. Instead, the party wants Batohi to explain the failures. The DA last week announced a reform package aimed at rescuing the NPA and restoring justice for victims of corruption. According to the DA, the NPA is currently "broken" and has failed to secure successful prosecutions in high-profile corruption cases. To address these issues, the DA's Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Glynnis Breytenbach, proposes a series of reforms.
The South African
18 hours ago
- The South African
'White smokescreen': Cyril Ramaphosa's desperate strategy exposed
In his latest video post, Rob Hersov says US President Donald Trump wants to see legitimate policy change in South Africa. South African capitalist activist and entrepreneur, Hersov suggests Trump is not interested in a white South African ambassador to the US. Meanwhile, Hersov also recently weighed into the issue of the genocide of white farmers in South Africa. He appeared as a guest on the 'Rob Schmitt Tonight' show on Newsmax. He called the 'Kill the Boer' chant of Julius Malema's EFF party 'fundamentally evil' and a 'disgrace'. Meanwhile, Hesov recently also delivered a hard-hitting open letter to US President Donald Trump and US ambassador-designate Brent Bozell, in which he exposed the ANC's corruption, anti-American stance, and destructive governance. Hersov delivered the letter via a video uploaded to his Truth Report News YouTube channel. The video came ahead of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's trip to the US where he met with Donald Trump in Washington DC on Wednesday, 21 May. Hersov's video has divided opinion among South Africans. Some called for Hersov to join the 49 white Afrikaner 'refugees' in the United States, while others simply stated 'he's telling the truth'. Below, just a handful of the comments left on the Facebook post which went viral this week. America has become an International Court of Law. Let's South African people solve their problems those who want to relocate to America they are more than welcome to do so . What I believe in is even America have problems like any other countries. They are not special. Let's share the Land – Mabaso He's telling the truth – Siyabonga Thank you for fighting…with us… – Hettie Let him go join the 49 farmers/car guards – Aquiline As if Trump owns South Africa! What the hell is he gonna do about that info that ANC is destroying SA? Trump himself is destroying America and that's not Africa's problem. ANC was voted into power by citizens of SA. Trump fits nowhere on that matter – Kholofelo Guys please enlighten me… how come is Donald Trump a saint while he has so many convictions of corruption…. how is he going to safe SA.. from corruption… – Ngazi Is he wrong though ? We cry everyday on how these comrades abuse our country – Angelo I'm yet to hear Rob Hersov speak about South Africa without mentioning the US – Mpilonhle Which is true, anc are just criminals all of them – Alfred Politicians are using Trump to fight the ANC but they don't see that they are making ANC stronger, everytime i see racist comments i am also reminded of the pain our parents went through. These parties must not take the apartheid effect light because people rather vote for a corrupt ANC as long as they are lead by a black government.. Apartheid really feels like it happened yesterday hence it's not easy to forget especially when you see some people commenting like it's not a big thing – KG ANC needs to automatically step down n give the other party a chance to lead, just once. I want to see something – Zodwa Racists like this keep dividing South Africa which is dangerous, and they know if shit hits the fan by this behavior they will be the first one to run because they have dual citizenships and money, they think this Trump will be President forever – Clive There is some truth is this, SA is listed as a dangourous country, it's goverment is corupted and it's looks like it's going backwards instead of forward. Durban Beachfront now and 30 years ago, huge diffrent. That place looks so dodgy now. Especially the backroad that was once busseling with life. I disagree that Trump is The Man. He's just an Orange idiot who puts his nose where it doesn't belong. He should deal with the mass shootings and poverty in his own country. As this moment nearly half the world dislikes America, not just the SA goverment. Free that sniper dude who missed and give him a second chance at aming properly – Brenda Praise God for this man. Kudos to you Rob, kudos to you my man – HoofSeun He can write to whom he wants to. Not other people's business – Elize Meanwhile, in another video this month, Rob Hersov says South Africa just picked a fight with the most powerful country on Earth … America. And it wasn't by accident. It was by design – reckless, arrogant, and utterly self-destructive, he added. As always, Hersov pulled no punches. Full transcript below the video: South Africa just picked a fight with the most powerful country on Earth – America. And it wasn't by accident. It was by design – reckless, arrogant and utterly self-destructive. Let me give you the facts: South Africa is one of the top 10 countries that consistently votes against the United States in the United Nations. In 2018, South Africa's ambassador to Venezuela offered military support – military support – against a potential US invasion. The ANC has endorsed dictators like Fidel Castro, Gaddafi, Mugabe, Stalin, and even Mao Zedong. And in 2019, the US, UK, Germany and other countries warned South Africa to fix corruption or kiss investment goodbye. And what was the ANC's response? To call those countries imperialist threats and double down on their anti-West rhetoric. And in 2020, ANC members chanted, and I quote, 'One bullet, one American outside the US embassy in Pretoria.' And South Africa's embassy in Washington DC? It's essentially defunct, no ambassador for two years, pure diplomatic negligence. Mr Trump's Truth Social post 2 February was the first of many warning shots and yet the ANC did nothing. So let me give you the truth behind the numbers. South Africa's so-called non-aligned status is a lie. Publicly neutral, privately pro-China, pro-Russia, pro-Iran and cozy with human rights abusers. And what don't they want you to know? Well, the ANC is actively undermining Western partnerships. They've gutted our embassies, alienated allies and openly backed terror-linked groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. And the ANC take bribes from Iran to sue Israel and the ICJ. This isn't diplomacy, it's delusion. Free markets, crumbling, western values, rejected, and traditional principles? Traded for populist posturing and Marxist nostalgia. So here's the wake-up call. Why aren't more South Africans screaming about this? Because the ANC has wrapped itself in the liberation flag while torching the nation's future. The ANC has been bootlicking China and Russia while insulting the only countries that have ever offered us prosperity. But Donald Trump is back and he's watching, he's reading, he's listening, and he's getting ready. What's the bottom line here? Well, we have a path forward. The path forward is to fire the diplomats who can't do their job, rebuild our embassies with professionals, not cadres. And let's recommit to the West, because that's where the investment, the innovation, and the future lies. We know that, the majority of South Africans know it. The stakes? Well the stakes are high. Without AGOA we're going to lose 250 000 jobs, factories are going to close, farmers will go bankrupt, food security out the window. And the G20 Summit we're hosting this year is destined to be a humiliating disaster if President Trump and other important leaders boycott – which is likely. Other African nations are playing it smart. Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, even Zimbabwe, they're reaching out to America. They're making deals while we're burning bridges. South Africa doesn't have to be a failed state, but to save this country we need leaders with courage, not cowards in suits. We need the truth, not ideology. So here it is, loud and clear: Fix this damn foreign policy before there's nothing left to fix. Let's put South Africa first, at last. Robert Basil Hersov, born on 9 October 1960 in Johannesburg, is a business executive and entrepreneur. His grandfather, Bob Hersov, was the founder of AngloVaal, one of Southern Africa's largest mining and industrial companies. His father, Basil Hersov, ran the company from 1973 to 2001. The family sold AngloVaal in the 1990s. Rob Hersov serves as chairman and CEO (and founder) of Invest Africa, Chairman and Partner (and founder) of African Capital Investments. His parents are Basil Edward Hersov and Antoinette. Hersov matriculated from Michaelhouse in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. In 1982 he studied at the University of Cape Town and obtained a degree. In 1989 he obtained his MBA from Harvard Business School. He began his career at Goldman Sachs in New York and then became head of the European media investment banking team at Morgan Stanley in London. From 1989 to 1991 he was business development manager at News Corporation in New York for chairman Rupert Murdoch. After this he became a board member of the luxury goods company Richemont SA, and also managed FilmNet. He then became CEO of Telepiu Srl in Milan, Italy's largest pay-TV company, belonging to the Mediaset media group, where he was also a member of the board of directors, until August 1997. In 1999, he started his own business as an investor and entrepreneur. In September 1999, he co-founded Antfactory; in November 1999, he helped found In 2021, he acquired Fisantekraal Airport, west of Durbanville, and renamed it 'Cape Winelands Airport'. He aims to develop it into a vibrant airport and secondary hub for Cape Town. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
